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Raising a baby is hard. N.J. is giving new parents the postpartum playbook.

Raising a baby is hard. N.J. is giving new parents the postpartum playbook.

New Jersey knows it can be hard for new parents to navigate life with a baby and all the challenges that may arise in the postpartum period.

That’s why Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed into law a bill (S912) that requires healthcare professionals to offer pregnant patients an individualized postpartum treatment plan as part of prenatal care in the state. Under the law, each plan must include a variety of information, including notes about any of the patient’s pregnancy complications and recommended follow-ups, guidance regarding signs and symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety, recommendations for the management of postpartum issues, and advice regarding breastfeeding.

Maternal mortality and morbidity rates have increased over the last 20 years, both in New Jersey and nationwide. About 26 women die on average for every 100,000 births in New Jersey compared to about 23.2 deaths nationally, according to America’s Health Rankings, a report by the United Health Foundation. The rates are higher for Black women, compared with white, Hispanic and Asian women.

Even though it’s estimated that between one-third and one-half of pregnancy-associated deaths occur during the postpartum period, as many as 40% of women never seek out or receive postpartum care, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

“New Jersey has made significant progress over the last seven years in our work to reduce maternal and infant mortality, and our efforts have shown how increased care continuity and access to information can improve outcomes for families across our state,” said Murphy in a prepared statement. “Today’s action will ensure our health professionals are empowering pregnant patients and new families with information and resources to stay healthy, identify postpartum risks, and reach care after the end of a pregnancy.”

New Jersey has been on a mission to improve its maternal mortality rate since 2018, when the Garden State ranked 47th in the nation for its high maternal mortality.

One year later, First Lady Tammy Murphy created the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, a multi-pronged, multi-agency initiative that aims to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable place in the nation to deliver and raise a baby, according to its website.

Since 2019, more than 65 pieces of maternal and infant health legislation have been signed into law as part of the Nurture NJ initiative. Many were applauded by advocates, including a 2021 law that made New Jersey one of the first states in the country to allow Medicaid reimbursement for birthing coaches.

In addition to providing parents with an individualized postpartum care plan, the law signed Monday also requires professionals to make sure postpartum care information is given to all patients being discharged at the end of a pregnancy, including those who have experienced a stillbirth or pregnancy loss.

Advocates for improved maternal health programs say this will further ensure the health and safety of New Jerseyans.

“This critical bill addresses gaps in postpartum care by ensuring all women—whether welcoming a baby or navigating the heartbreak of stillbirth or pregnancy loss—receive the comprehensive support needed for physical, emotional, and mental recovery during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives,” said Debbie Haine Vijayvergiya, executive director of the 2 Degrees Foundation, which supports those impacted by stillbirth.

New Jersey ranks 28th in the nation for maternal health, according to the latest rankings.

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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.

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